Devon dog owners warned of proposed restrictions to walking areas

Owners in Devon have been warned of proposed restrictions to dog walking areas in Torridge.

Torridge District Council is holding a dog control order consultation until August 31st that could completely change dog walking access in the area.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club secretary, said that it is important people respond to the consultation so that the fairist outcome is achieved.

She said: "Dogs need to be able to get enough exercise, and allowing a dog to run off lead is a big part of this, so restricting exercise to a lead in some of Torridge's most popular open spaces has a potentially negative welfare implication which needs to be addressed."

The four orders in the consultation include a fouling of the land order, a dogs on lead order, and a dogs on lead by direction order, which means owners must put their pets on their lead when told to do so.

The final point is a dog exclusion order, which would restrict access to many open spaces, including Northam Burrows Country Park, Victoria Park and Westward Ho! Beach and Promenade.